Derek McInnes explains a stretched squad, several scan results and recovery timelines as Hearts ready themselves for the Aberdeen fixture
Lead
Hearts arrive at the Aberdeen game with a thinner squad than they’d prefer, but Derek McInnes insists he can still pick a competitive eleven. A cluster of injuries has forced the club into careful short‑term planning: 11 first‑team players were unavailable for training on the latest update, and a mix of scans and specialist reviews is shaping who will be ready to play.
What’s happening now
Medical staff have stepped up assessments over the past 48 hours — scans, specialist opinions and tailored physio programmes. Some results are promising, others less so, and the picture is changing day‑by‑day. McInnes has repeatedly stressed that confidentiality and competitive reasons limit how much detail the club will disclose, but the aim is clear: convert as many borderline cases as possible into options for the weekend without risking setbacks.
Likely returns
Three players are the main watch‑list for the Aberdeen match. Beni Baningime has been the most encouraging sign: he’s completed physiotherapy for what the manager described as a bone bruise and is responding well to progressive drills.
If he keeps improving, Baningime has a realistic chance of being available. Oisin McEntee travelled for specialist advice on a shoulder issue; early scans were “fairly positive,” though the club is waiting on the specialist’s practical recommendation. Kerjota is carrying a minor hip strain and remains uncertain pending further assessment.
More serious blows
There are tougher calls to make. Ageu has suffered a thigh injury that will require surgery and rule him out for the remainder of the season; the club says he’s devastated but grateful for the support of the staff. Stuart Findlay faces roughly six weeks out with a hamstring problem (McInnes estimates about four matches missed, possibly returning in early April). And goalkeeper Craig Gordon’s scans were described as unfavourable; he feels better than the images suggest but will need further specialist review and is likely to miss a few weeks — a blow for both club and any potential international plans.
Squad implications
With several multi‑week absences, selection and rotation will be more delicate. McInnes believes the situation is manageable but insists on a pragmatic approach: protect players coming back through controlled workloads, shift tactics when necessary, and prioritise short‑term results from those who are fit. Depth will be tested, but the club is not planning to rush anyone back prematurely.
What supporters should expect
The club will issue further medical bulletins as specialist reports arrive. McInnes says final squad decisions will be based on up‑to‑the‑minute assessments rather than pre‑season expectations. Fans who want the full press‑conference can view it across the club’s official channels, but in short — Hearts go into the fixture with a reduced list of options, some encouraging comeback candidates, and a handful of longer‑term absentees who will shape rotation over the coming weeks.
